2025 Top 5 Guards Outside the Top 5

<p>The first 2025 rankings officially dropped yesterday and it was filled with talent in the backcourt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411404" first="Darius" last="Adams"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411624" first="Peter" last="Mauro"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411409" first="Omari" last="Moore"]</strong> take up the top 3 spots, but there is a lot of talent outside the top 5. Here are the top 5 guards outside the top 5 in the initial 2025 rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213561" first="Brendan" last="Oliver"], 6’6 SG Newark Academy</strong></p> <p>Oliver had a solid 2021-22 season for Newark Academy and should parlay that into a strong spring and summer for the NJ Scholars. The lanky 6’6 guard has a nice release on his jumper and uses his size to shoot over smaller defenders. Oliver is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the basket off the bounce and finish above the rim. He is an underrated passer and has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor. Oliver’s combination of skill, size, length and athleticism makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2025 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153996" first="Jaden" last="Kelly"], 6’4 SG St. Thomas Aquinas</strong></p> <p>Kelly joins Oliver on the perimeter for the NJ Scholars as the two create an intriguing duo on the wing. The 6’4 guard has a smooth shooting stroke and does not rush his shots in the halfcourt. Kelly moves exceptionally well off the ball, freeing himself up for open jumpers and layups. He slides his feet well on the defensive end and is able to get deflections and steals. Kelly is a sharpshooting guard whose ability to knock down shots will help his stock this summer. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411643" first="Danny" last="Murray"], 6’4 SG Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p>Murray is an intriguing name to watch as he is one of the top shooters in the 2025 class. The 6’4 guard has a quick release on his jumper and wastes little motion in his shot. Murray does not force shots in the half court and sets his feet before he shoots. He is a solid passer and is an underrated defender. Murray’s shooting ability is something that will help his stock in a big way throughout the spring, summer and the rest of his varsity career.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1123895" first="Chase" last="Coleman"], 6’1 PG Patrick School</strong></p> <p>Coleman should get an expanded role in the Celtics’ offense next season, which will help his stock in a big way. The 6’1 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and get into the paint. Coleman is a good finisher around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. He can score in the mid-range and can make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. Coleman is a scoring point guard prospect who should be a name to watch in the 2025 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411401" first="Emmanuel" last="Joe-Samuel"], 6’3 SG Paul VI</strong></p> <p>Joe-Samuel is one of the top 2025 prospects in South Jersey after a strong debut season for the Eagles. The 6’3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he is a good finisher around the basket and can draw contact in the paint. Joe-Samuel is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and score in the mid-range. He is capable of running the offense in a pinch with his handle and poise on the ball. Joe-Samuel had 5 20-point games as a freshman and should have many more to come as his varsity career continues.</p>